Competence

The terms "competence" and "incompetence" refer to a person's ability to understand the nature and consequences of decisions and should be restricted to describe a person's legal status.
A person may be declared incompetent in business or financial matters but remain legally competent to consent or refuse care.

Competence is determined by a proper legal authority, usually a judge.

Competence is the ability of an individual to do a job properly.
Some academics see "competence" as a combination of practical and theoretical knowledge, cognitive skills, behavior and values used to improve performance; or as the state or quality of being adequately or well qualified, having the ability to perform a specific role.

Possession of a satisfactory level of relevant knowledge and acquisition of a range of relevant skills that include interpersonal and technical components necessary to perform the tasks that reflect the scope of professional practices.
It is therefore not the same as “knowing”.
Competence may differ from “performance”, which denotes actions taken in a real life situation - although the integration of understandings, abilities and professional
judgments can be inferred from performance.

Related terms

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